“Alabama was a home away from home for four-and-a-half years,” she said. “The state will always be and still remains a special place in my heart and I love to give back to that state.”

The South Carolina native and University of Alabama alum will show her fall 2014 collection on Friday, April 24 as the opening designer of fashion week's final night. She describes her involvement as “second nature” because of her connection to the area.

She said the 30-look collection will have elements of Southern style but an urban edge, thanks to her decade of living in New York.

“You going to see a little bit more of an urban, I guess you could say edgier side to the brand than people are typically seeing,” she said. “I think that’s what’s really exciting; our New York side is really shining through in this collection.”

Bell’s clothing line is in shops all over the state, including Marella and Manhattan South in Birmingham and Effies in Tuscaloosa. Her designs have been seen on Lake Bell, Emma Roberts and Maria Menounos, according to her website.

She describes her costumers as individuals

“She’s not subjecting herself to a set number of rules,” she said. “I like to see my girl really take risks and be able to be, obviously true to herself, but also stand out in a crowd.”

She said she always knew she wanted to be a designer. While studying fashion design and studio art at Alabama, she also interned with designers in New York City. One of those designers is Birmingham Fashion Week headlining designer Rebecca Taylor.

Bell describes participating in the same fashion show as Taylor as “exceptionally cool.” She credits time with Taylor as a defining moment in her career.

“I’ll never forget sitting in one of the fittings in their office, the sun was setting and I think it was close to one of my last days of being an intern. I was so sad to leave the city to go back home,” she said. “I just got chills, it was that ‘a-ha’ moment, knowing that was not only moving in the right direction as a fashion designer, but I also wanted to have my own fashion line.”

Another big moment for Bell was wining the grand prize on the second season of NBC’s “Fashion Star” last year. She said the show taught her how to work well under pressure. Bell likened the experience as camp and said it left her reenergized.

“The experience on ‘Fashion Star’ gave me the confidence that I needed that I think at one point I was lacking,” she said. “It gave me more belief in myself and encouraged me to keep pressing on.”

She said the South has always been a source of support for her.

“I think it’s the camaraderie, the friendliness and the encouragement that I get from everyone there that helps me to keep pushing and keep going,” she said. “The excitement is infectious in the sense that it really keeps pushing me to strive for the best and also to keep working hard so I can give back to the other students at the University of Alabama that are studying fashion design.”

According to Bell events such as Birmingham Fashion Week provide exposure for designers and a direct connection to consumers.

“I think it’s a great way for designers to present their collection and to really get excited about shopping locally and giving back to the small businesses that I care to support. I’m also a small business,” she said.